Actor Michael Ansara, Who Played Original Klingon, Dies At 91

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The actor who played the original Klingon on TV's "Star Trek" has died.

A longtime friend and spokesman for Michael Ansara says the actor died Wednesday at his home in Calabasas, Calif. after a long illness. He was 91.

Besides playing Kang the Klingon in various "Star Trek" series, Ansara appeared on dozens of TV shows, including "Broken Arrow," ''Law of the Plainsman," ''I Dream of Jeannie," ''Hawaii 5-0" and "Murder, She Wrote."

His film credits include "Julius Caesar," ''Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," ''The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "The Comancheros" with John Wayne.

Ansara was predeceased by his son, Matthew, with former wife Barbara Eden. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly, a sister and a niece and nephew.